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Assisted Living

What it is: Residential communities for seven or more residents, licensed by DSHS (chapter 18.20 RCW), where staff assist with daily activities including bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals. Staff available around the clock.

Best for: Seniors who need some level of daily support but do not require 24-hour skilled medical care.

Typical costs: Commonly about $6,000–$9,500 a month in Washington; the Washington median is about $7,550 a month (CareScout 2025 survey). Prices vary widely by area and care level, and Seattle-area prices run higher. Most residents pay privately or with long-term care insurance; Apple Health (Medicaid) pays at facilities that hold a DSHS Medicaid contract.

What's typically included: Private or semi-private room, meals, personal care assistance, medication management, activities, and transportation.

Cost of Care Calculator

Assisted Living in Washington

What care could cost, compared with the national median
When might care begin?
Now
How many years of care?
3
Washington
$7,546
per month
National median
$6,200
per month
Estimated total · 3 years
$281,275
vs. $231,103 at the national median
About $7,813 a month on average, with costs rising each year.

Senior Living Cost Calculator — Results Summary

Prepared via realpropertyplanning.com on October 23, 2026

Care Type

Assisted Living Community

Care Timeline

Care begins now (2026).

Planned for 3 years of care, through 2029.

Cost Assumption

Annual cost growth: 3.5%

Projected Cost

WashingtonNational
Per month$7,546$6,200
Per year$90,552$74,400
Total over 3-year plan$281,275$231,103

Washington medians from the CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2025 data (published March 2026); memory care, adult family home, independent living and CCRC figures are estimates. Actual costs vary by area, provider, and level of care. For general planning only. Courtesy of Real Property Planning — realpropertyplanning.com.

Professional Disclosure

Real Property Planning is an educational and connection hub. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, financial, brokerage, or appraisal services. Professionals referenced on this site are independently licensed and operate through their own separate businesses. Real estate brokerage services are provided by David Stein, a licensed Washington broker, through eXp Realty. Appraisal services are provided by David Stein through Stein Appraisal. Read the full disclaimer.